I'm trying to get read of my snails they poop more than they clean and they lay too many eggs! I was wondering if pure alcohol (the kind that is used to clean cuts and stuff) would that kill it FAST and with out hurting it? Or is there a better way and quicker way I don’t want to hurt it even though it’s just a snail.
Thanks for all your help!
2007-09-21 16:47:44 · 11 answers · asked by ♪♥ ♥♪ 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
When I had a snail issue in my tank, Magicman helped me out big time. He suggested that I move all my fish, plants, filter, and heater into a large bucket (soley for the use of your aquarium). Once all the fish are into the bucket, drain the tank so there are only a few inches of water. Once this is accomplished, dump in some salt (2 cups per 10 gallons based on your original tank volume [a 10 gallon tank with 2 inches of water would get 2 cups of salt]). Let this salt mixture sit for 8+ hours and use paper towels to wipe the sides of the tank with the saltwater. Once the time is up, use a siphon to completely drain the tank (swish clean water through the gravel to remove any salt and then siphon away the water again). You should now have a tank with only gravel and residual water and salt (you don't have to get all the salt, just most of it). To add your fish back in, slowly scoop water out of the bucket so it is half full (with fish still in the bucket). When you reach the halfway point of the bucket's capacity, begin to net the fish and put them back into the tank with the filter, heater, and decor. Continue to fill the bucket with dechlorinated tap water until you fill it again. This whole process takes about a day, so be sure you have a Saturday or Sunday with no obligations (though you don't have to sit and watch the salt water for 8+ hours). It has now been almost a month since I did this and there are still no signs of snails or snail eggs. Email me if you have any questions.
Soop Nazi
EDIT: Loaches are great, but keep in mind, they will take up space in your tank. The best Loach for the job is a group of Yo-yo Loaches (5 inches each) and they shouldn't be kept in less than a 30 gallon tank (20 is a bit tight for them). The next best is the foot long Clown Loach that also needs groups of 5+. Also, Loaches will not completely decimate the snails as they much prefer flake or frozen food. The salt method is a complete wipeout of the snails and salt does not outgrow tanks...
EDIT 2: The vegie bait is great if you just want to limit the snail population, but you will NEVER fully rid your tank of them this way because of the rate at which they reproduce.
2007-09-21 17:01:10 · answer #1 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Quick and easy.
Get Romaine Lettuce.
Weight it down on the bottom of the tank, leave it for 30 minutes. The snails will climb on, take the whole leaf to your garbage disposal. Use hot water, and death is instantaneous.
If you don't have a garbage disposal, put it in a plastic bag and freeze it. Put salt over them to be sure they're dead, and put them in the garbage. You don't want to chance them getting into your local eco-system, make SURE they're dead.
Repeat the process until there are none left. Repeat again once a week for a month to be sure you got all the hatchlings.
P.S. The fish will nibble the lettuce. It's not a problem.
2007-09-22 00:09:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
I don't think there really is a humane way. The natural way would be to get loaches. Otherwise, if your fish can handle it, add salt. You could smush their shells; it sounds bad but it should kill them instantly.
2007-09-21 23:59:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only ways I know how to kill snails is with salt and if thy are in the sun for a while. Hope I helped.
2007-09-21 23:57:02 · answer #4 · answered by Brittony C 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋
loaches and puffer fish eat snails.
2007-09-22 01:58:54 · answer #5 · answered by JL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beer is probably the best and most humane way. Put some in a shallow plate, they are attracted to it due to it's sweetness and then die.
2007-09-21 23:54:37 · answer #6 · answered by Christine S 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
squish them. just flatten the little buggers. its fast and easy, they wont feel a thing.
2007-09-22 00:07:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
salt is the best way i have learned
2007-09-22 00:14:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bake them in alot of garlic and butter and eat them
2007-09-21 23:55:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
add hand sanitizer with salt. should do the trick quickly.
2007-09-21 23:55:20 · answer #10 · answered by Letti 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋